Access Week In Geek: J.J. Abrams Talks 'Super 8'

June 10, 2011 08:02 PM EDT

J.J. ABRAMS TALKS “SUPER 8” - Looking for a new film that channels the cinematic spirit of old school Steven Spielberg? Then “Super 8” is your weekend movie pick.

J.J. Abrams (“Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible 3”) pays a literal big screen homage to the legendary director and incorporates many of the signature Spielberg elements that captivated worldwide audiences in the late ‘70s and ‘80s Amblin films. The Oscar wining director also served as executive producer on the movie, working along side Abrams on the production.

“Super 8” follows a group of youngsters as they try to solve the mystery surrounding a creature they witnessed escaping from a military train wreck while shooting a Super 8 home movie.

“The movie ultimately has a big heart and it’s an optimistic movie,” Abrams told Access Hollywood. “The idea was to make something that you feel better when you left than when you got there.”

With the heaviest nods going to “E.T.,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “The Goonies,” and “Jaws,” Abrams delivers a fun film that hits the all right notes with a great cast of young actors, however it rarely strays off a safe path of familiar themes. It certainly took me back to many of the films that shaped my earliest years as a movie fan.

“‘Super 8’ definitely, it’s literally an Amblin movie, and it was really freeing to kind of embrace those elements,” Abrams said.

“And you know working with Steven was just a dream,” he added.

WEEK IN GEEK PICK: “GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS” - If you’re looking for a great warm up for the big screen version of DC Comics’ “Green Lantern,” starring Ryan Reynolds, and opening on June 17, look no further than this week’s animated release from Warner Home Video, “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights.”

“Mad Men’s” Elisabeth Moss co-stars with Fillion as the Corps’ newest recruit Arisia in this anthology of shorts that will get you up to speed on many of the alien characters and the space epic elements featured in the upcoming live action film, including Sinestro, Abin Sur, Kilowog, and The Guardians of the Universe.

You can click HERE to check out Access’ exclusive clip with Nathan Fillion, where he discusses how he tapped into his inner superhero.

FROM ROCK TO ROADBLOCK - Dwayne Johnson may be enlisting in G.I. Joe’s elite ranks according to Deadline.

After a memorable kick ass role in “Fast Five,” the former WWE champ is reportedly in talks to play Roadblock in “G.I. Joe: Cobra Strikes,” the follow-up to 2009’s big screen adaptation of the Hasbro toy line and ‘80s animated series.

Roadblock was one of the main characters in the cartoon, so it’s safe to assume it’s another solid role for Johnson. It’s still uncertain which cast members from the original film will be returning.

MORE NEW “WHO” ON THE WAY - “Doctor Who” fans can rest easy. Matt Smith will be returning as The Doctor for a third season playing the 11th incarnation of the iconic sci-fi time lord. The show returned with record ratings in April on BBC America and further adventures await. Blastr rounded up tweets from “Who” executive producer Steve Moffat and head of BBC programming Sam Hodges that confirmed 14 new episodes are on deck for 2012 with Smith on board.

In crossover news, John Barrowman (star of the “Dr. Who” spin-off “Torchwood”) revealed to Zap2it that Captain Jack Harkness may make a return appearance on the show his character originated on.

“I’ve always said that if I’m asked to go back to ‘Doctor Who,’ I’ll go at the drop of a hat,” Barrowman said. “That’s where Captain Jack got his beginnings. And it’s already been discussed.”

In the meantime, “Torchwood” premieres on Starz on July 8.

WILLIAM SHATNER TO GUEST ON “PSYCH” –Entertainment Weekly reports that Shatner will guest star as a “charming con man” when the show returns on USA in the fall.

“LONE RANGER” TARGETS A RELEASE DATE - Disney has set December 12, 2012 for the reboot of the classic serial teaming up Johnny Depp as Tonto with Armie Hammer as the legendary masked man, per Deadline.

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